Ever since they became an opening pair in ODI cricket during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have forged many memorable partnerships.
In 107 ODI innings thus far, the pair has aggregated 4802 runs at an average of 45.30 between themselves. They are currently placed at the second position in the all-time list of maximum 100-run opening partnerships with 16 such stands.
Moreover, Shikhar and Rohit have also stitched 14 partnerships of fifty runs or more in ODIs, with 210 being their best stand so far.
On Wednesday (June 10), Dhawan shared his experience of opening with Rohit and attributed “trust” as a key factor behind their success.
"I know him (Rohit) from U-19 days. He was a junior by one-two years and we have camped together. We trust each other and have a great friendship, it works for us," Dhawan said in an Instagram chat hosted by his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.
"We both know each other's nature and characters. I know how he is exactly. It's a proud feeling that we have done so well for India."
The southpaw further said their off-the-field chemistry has worked well for them.
"It brings you positive energy and vibes when everything is in sync. Whenever I face any problem with my batting, I ask him. We have a strong communication going in the middle. We travel 230 days a year together. That's why the whole Team India is a big family."
After spending eight years at Sunrisers Hyderabad, Dhawan returned to his home-based IPL team Delhi Capitals last year and aggregated 521 runs in 16 matches at an average of 34.73.
Dhawan's move to Delhi also changed the fortunes of the franchise as they qualified for the play-offs for the first time in seven years.
Keen to win the IPL trophy for his home team, Dhawan said: "I always think of winning IPL, especially our team is so good. The vision becomes stronger day by day.
"Definitely we will win the IPL and bring the trophy home. The fans truly deserve it. They have always packed the stadiums, supported us throughout. We did so well we will keep bettering from here on."
(With PTI inputs)
